A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cagliari vs. Bologna for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Cagliari or Bologna?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cagliari and Bologna can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cagliari

Cagliari is a laid back, relaxed, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bologna

Bologna is a culinary, beautiful, and fun city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cagliari and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cagliari or Bologna?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cagliari than Bologna. While Bologna is larger than Cagliari, Cagliari has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cagliari is more popular for its museums, beaches, and big city activities, while Bologna is known for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Cagliari is popular for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. It is also home to Castello. Bologna is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Cagliari different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bologna and Cagliari. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cagliari or Bologna?

Cagliari is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Cagliari specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Castello district is filled with ancient buildings including Bastione San Remy and the Duomo. Also make sure you check out the Archeology Museum.

Bologna is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It has many historical and religious landmarks, active squares, and impressive museums including the Basilica of St. Petronius, St. Stephen Basilica, the Leaning Towers, and the Portico of the Madonna di San Luca.

Is the Food Better in Cagliari or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Bologna has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Foodies will appreciate the city's well earned culinary reputation. Some people even consider Bologna to be a food capital in Italy. There are cooking classes and food tours around town, as well as many great restaurants that serve up local dishes. Visitors should try Tagliatelle with Ragu (now famously known around the world as Bolognaise), Tortellini in broth, and Mortadella (salami).

Dining out in Cagliari is an experience not to be missed. The cuisine mixes the island's sea and mountain settings. You'll find many local pastas, breads, seafood dishes, and cheeses. There's a wealth of diversity in the food and you should definitely step away from the more traditional Italian flavors and try something uniquely Sardinian.

Is Cagliari or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cagliari and Bologna.

Cagliari has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a thriving nightlife scene that is mostly centered around tourists. You'll find a number of the best bars in the Castello district and the atmosphere is usually relaxed and laid back, like the town itself.

Bologna is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The young population that is filled with international students means that the city has a fun and active nightlife scene. Some of the city's best neighborhoods for nightlife include Centro Storico, where the tourists hang out, the University District, which is perfect for students in their 20s, and Via dell'Indipendenza, which is popular for an upscale evening out.

Is Cagliari or Bologna Better for Beaches?

Cagliari is a well-known place for the beach. However, Bologna is not a beach destination.

Cagliari is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. While you'll find some nice beaches in town, if you're willing to head to the surrounding areas just outside of town, you'll be rewarded with amazing beaches. The beaches are enjoyable any time of the year.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is Cagliari or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari and Bologna are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Cagliari. The Castello district is the city's old town. It's filled with narrow alleys, historic castles, and a truly unique atmosphere.

Many visitors go to Bologna to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Is the Shopping Better in Cagliari or Bologna?

Bologna is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Bologna is well-known for its shopping. The city hosts regular open-air markets where you can pick up local produce or local items. It is among the best shopping destinations in the region. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Piazza Maggiore, Mercato di Mezzo, Mercato delle Erbe, or Via Rizzoli.

Many visitors go to Cagliari to go shopping. Head to the Marina district for some of the city's best shopping opportunities. There are a number of shopping malls to choose from. For souvenirs and other handicrafts, the port area has a few shops.

Is Cagliari or Bologna Better for Families?

Cagliari is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Cagliari is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of activities for kids to enjoy in the areas surrounding the city. If you're willing to get about an hour out of town, you can check out the Water Park of Pula. In town, there's a little train that young kids will enjoy. And, of course, there are the beaches!

Bologna is a family-friendly city. There are kid-friendly museums such as Museo Geologico Cappellini and the interactive history museum of Museo della Storia di Bologna. There's even a museum solely dedicated to gelato - Gelato at Carpigiani Museum. If your kids need a bit of time in nature, check out Dulcamara farm or the Botanic Garden. On the weekend you many be able to catch a show at Margherita's Puppet Theatre.

Is Cagliari or Bologna Better for Couples?

Cagliari is a well-known place for couples. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Cagliari is a very popular place to visit for couples. The waterfront setting and nice beaches make this a great place for couples. There's also the Castello district, which is fun to wander through, and many parks and outdoor walking areas.

Bologna is a nice destination for couples. With beautiful museums, interesting architecture. and lively squares, this is a great city for a couple's holiday. It's filled with romance, but it has less tourist crowds than some of Italy's more popular cities.

Is Cagliari or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Bologna. It's not a popular as some of the other cities in Italy and Europe, but it still has a number of hostels and a good backpacker scene.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cagliari. There's a hostel or two in the area that offer accommodation that backpackers will appreciate.

Is Cagliari or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Bologna. It's a top study abroad destination in Italy and is home to a few great universities including the well ranked University of Bologna. There are many great activities for students and a variety of fun places to explore.

Cagliari is popular with students. There are some study abroad opportunities in town, and with the nearby beaches and wonderful weather, many international students enjoy their time here.

Is Cagliari or Bologna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Cagliari and Bologna.

Cagliari has some public transit options. There are buses that travel around town relatively efficiently.

You'll find some public transit in Bologna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

Is Cagliari or Bologna a more walkable city?

Cagliari and Bologna are very good when it comes to walkability.

Cagliari is a very walkable city. While the city is very walkable, it is built on a large hill so come prepared for some steep climbs.

Bologna is a very walkable destination. Most sights are always within a 30 minute walk, and the city itself is very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Cagliari Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cagliari and Bologna. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Cagliari than Bologna. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cagliari, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cagliari than Bologna. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cagliari that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bologna than Cagliari if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Bologna.

One day in Cagliari or Bologna?

In Cagliari, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The beautiful city of Bologna offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Cagliari or Bologna?

In Cagliari, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cagliari has to offer.

Bologna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bologna, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cagliari or Bologna?

Cagliari is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Bologna is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Cagliari or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cagliari. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cagliari. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Bologna is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cagliari and Bologna, we can see that Bologna is more expensive. And not only is Cagliari much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cagliari would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cagliari and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bologna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bologna than you might in Cagliari.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cagliari Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cagliari or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cagliari. When comparing the sizes of Cagliari and Bologna, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Cagliari or Bologna?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cagliari or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cagliari as well as Bologna. The summer months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In the summer, Cagliari is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cagliari in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bologna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cagliari this time of the year. In the summer, Cagliari often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Cagliari gets 337 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in July than Bologna. Cagliari gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Cagliari are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cagliari this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cagliari is generally a little warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 18°C (65°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Cagliari usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Cagliari gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bologna. In October, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Bologna. Cagliari gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cagliari or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Cagliari during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cagliari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bologna can get quite cold in the winter. Cagliari is much warmer than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Cagliari often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Cagliari gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Cagliari gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cagliari and Bologna. Many visitors come to Cagliari in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Cagliari is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cagliari in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Cagliari, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cagliari usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during spring. Cagliari gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Bologna. Cagliari gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Cagliari